How to access the Windows Control Panel
Windows Control Panel provides a location from which you can configure the functionality and appearance of your computer.
Access to the Windows Control Panel, and the names of the tools/components found there, vary slightly according to which operating system you are running.
What to do
How to access Windows Control Panel
Windows 2000/NT and Windows 95/98/Me
- Select Start|Settings|Control Panel
Windows XP, Windows 2003 and Windows Vista
- Select Start|Control Panel
If you are using 'Classic' view in Windows XP and Windows Vista
- Select Start|Settings|Control Panel
In Vista, the word 'Start' is only visible when you hover over the 'Start' icon.
How to access Administrative Tools
Depending on which Windows operating system you have installed, Administrative Tools can be accessed either via Control Panel or, in some cases, more directly.
Windows 2000
- Select Start|Settings|Control Panel|Administrative Tools
Windows XP
- Select Start|Settings|Control Panel|Performance and Maintenance|Administrative Tools
If you are using 'Classic' view - Select Start|Settings|Control Panel|Administrative Tools
Windows 2003
- Select Start|Control Panel|Administrative Tools
- Select Start|Administrative Tools
Windows Vista
- Select Start|Control Panel|Systems and Maintenance|Administrative Tools
If you are using 'Classic' view, - Select Start|Control Panel|Administrative Tools
Windows NT
- Select Start|Programs|Administrative Tools
Tools/Components displayed in Windows Control Panel
The following table lists some of the more commonly used components/tools and their names, available in Windows Control Panel.
| Windows 2000 | Windows XP | Windows 2003 | Windows Vista |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add/Remove programs | Add or Remove Programs | Add or Remove Programs | Programs and Features |
| Add/Remove Hardware | Add Hardware | Add Hardware | Add Hardware |
| Administrative Tools | Administrative Tools | Administrative Tools | Administrative Tools |
| Network and Dial-up connections | Network Connections | Network Connections | Network and Sharing Center |
| Security Center | Security Center | ||
| System | System | System | System |
If you need more information or guidance, then please contact technical support.
- Article ID: 17347
- Created: 25 Sep 2006
- Last updated: 9 Aug 2011
